The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has extended its public comment period on proposed rules updating the executive, administrative, professional, and outside salesperson (EAP) exemptions from Washington’s Minimum Wage Act. Comments will now be accepted until 11:59 pm on Friday, September 20, 2019.
Cities can also comment by emailing the Overtime Rule Program, or by mail to:
Employment Standards Program
P.O. Box 44510
Olympia, WA 98504-4510
Cities with concerns or comments regarding the proposed overtime rules are also encouraged to contact AWC in addition to providing input to L&I.
Currently, overtime exemption rules require most workers to meet a “duties test” and be paid a minimum salary of at least $455 per week or the equivalent of about $24,000 a year to qualify. L&I’s new proposed rules would raise this salary threshold beginning on July 1, 2020. The final phase takes place on January 1, 2026 when the salary threshold would increase to 2.5 times the state minimum wage (roughly $80,000 per year).